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Plan for summer fun now. Make a list and check it — at least twice.
I have long been the fan of the summer to do list, aka summer bucket list. A friend hooked me onto the idea about ten years ago, and it’s been a summer tradition ever since. A glimpse at the lists from 2009 and 2012 tells me how much my kids are growing and changing.
Stop the clock, please!
If you don’t already plan a list of fun things to do over summer vacation, here’s why you should:
1. No more “I’m bored, Mom”.
If you have a list of things to do that your kids have already expressed an interest in, then you’re less likely to hear complaints that they’re bored. By planning fun in advance, you cut boredom off at the pass.
2. Time is passing.
You know the story of putting the big rocks in the jar first? If you don’t make time for the important things, there won’t be room for them later. Make time this summer while your kids are still on your watch.
3. It’s fun!
Who doesn’t want to have a bonfire, toast marshmallows, or make homemade ice cream?! These things truly are enjoyable activities. We can all use more of that, especially us adults. Enjoy the simple pleasures of summer with your kids.
Creating a summer to do list is absolutely free.
You don’t need to list expensive things to do, either. Think of the practically free activities that you enjoy as a family and write them down. Keeping the list in a central location will help you have a ready answer when someone requests an activity that might be outside the budget.
Need inspiration? Check out this list of ideas for summer fun.
Print out this colorful checklist to fill out with your kids. I usually give my kids each of their own to fill out and then I compile all the ideas together into one larger list. Let them keep their personal lists as a record of a summer of fun.
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Great post. I do the same thing with my 4 kids. I give them all a sheet of binder paper (OK, so I totally write down my 2 & 4 year olds lists, lol) and have them write down the things they want to do. Things range from nice and simple to um, no we won’t be able to afford all of these things, but it’s a great place to start. I definitely like your list sheet better and will be using it instead =) Thanks for the fun read! Cheers =)
Great post. I do the same thing with my 4 kids. I give them all a sheet of binder paper (OK, so I totally write down my 2 & 4 year olds lists, lol) and have them write down the things they want to do. Things range from nice and simple to um, no we won’t be able to afford all of these things, but it’s a great place to start. I definitely like your list sheet better and will be using it instead =) Thanks for the fun read! Cheers =)